Published in the Altoona Mirror, by Paige Minemyer

September 13, 2014

Gov. Tom Corbett said there are two Pennsylvania resources that he believes to be the most precious: children and senior citizens.

He said he has spent much of his time as governor working to improve seniors' access to state programs to assist them with bills and medical concerns and to ensure they receive what they need.

"We have certainly, since I have been governor, improved our resources," Corbett said.

The governor was one of a number of speakers at Blair County Elder Justice Day, held Friday at the Southern Blair Senior Center. The sold-out event brought local seniors together to provide them with information on safety, legal and political issues that they face. Sessions included talks on securing finances, avoiding scams and safeguarding one's home.

The event was co-sponsored by Blair Senior Services, First Common-wealth Bank and the Blair County District Attorney's Office. Corbett shared anecdotes about his 94-year-old mother-in-law with the group, relating her experiences to those present. He also talked about how the government is going to soon be facing an aging baby boomer population and will have to come up with strategies to handle the increased population of elderly people.

He called on the Legislature, and noted state Rep. John McGinnis and Sen. John H. Eichelberger Jr. in attendance, to work alongside him to deal with this pressing issue.

"We need to be proactive, not reactive," Corbett said. "It's important we understand what is coming."

Corbett also answered questions from those in attendance, on topics ranging from the lottery to education funding. He also touched on pension reform, funding for Alzheimer's research and other hot-button issues heading into the election this fall.

Corbett said he feels he still has things to accomplish in the governor's office.

"We've got a lot more work to be done," Corbett said.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Brian Duke also took a turn at the lectern on Friday, asking seniors to consider "placing (themselves) first" when it comes to long-term planning.

The Department of Aging, he said, investigates claims of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment. The department received 20,000 concerned calls last year, he said. The most common forms are neglect, either by a caregiver or by the elderly people themselves, or financial exploitation.

Duke said the number of reported cases of financial exploitation has increased 16 percent in the past 12 to 18 months in Pennsylvania.

He said that once the report is received, the department will work with local senior service groups to look into the claims and determine the best plan for the senior citizens involved, including potential prosecution if necessary. He said the department strives to shield those who raise these concerns.

"We protect reporters from retaliation," he said.

Duke said Blair County's elderly residents should be thankful for the people available locally to assist them.

"You have a great team here," he said.

(Paige Minemyer, "Corbett addresses issues for seniors," Altoona Mirror, 9/13/14)